Hayes & Harlington Operatic Society was formed in the Urban District of Hayes and Harlington in 1942 as The Minterne Society. It underwent a name-change and for a while was known as The Hayes & Harlington Operatic & Dramatic Society, thus catering for those within the group who wished to put on Plays as opposed to Musicals. Over a period of time the two factions developed their own identities (although some members had a foot in both camps) and split into The Janus Players and The Hayes and Harlington Operatic Society. This rather long name has become abbreviated in usage to "The H & H" by those who belong to it and support it.

  Like many amateur societies of that time, the early productions were of Operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan. Catchy, lively music which is as popular now as when it was first performed, but the Company wanted to move on. Following thirteen G & S productions, Merrie England provided a break (although it has to be said that there is a marked similarity in style to G & S) and gradually the move was to the other popular shows such as Desert Song, Show Boat, Vagabond King, Merry Widow, Oklahoma, and in more recent years Oliver, Hello Dolly, Fiddler on the Roof, King and I, My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music. In terms of numbers, the Society is now working on production eighty-seven.

  Performances were held at St John’s Church Hall in Hillingdon, The Park Theatre at Hanwell, Southall Community Centre and Greenford Hall. It gave no performances in Hayes and Harlington until 1977. In that year the Alfred Beck Centre was completed, and strenuous efforts were made to get the Society to perform for the opening week. The management of The Beck at that time were opposed to this and so Boeing Boeing opened the Theatre, playing to far too many empty seats. A few weeks later the H & H put on a week of Showboat, and the show was a complete sell out three weeks before it was due to go on. It was the first time that the Beck was sold out for the week, but not the last - for H & H had a very strong following of loyal supporters!

  The Beck has much to commend it - comfortable seating with a good view of the stage wherever you sit, with excellent sound and lighting facilities. There is also a large foyer and bar area, where snacks and hot beverages are available. It is easy to get to by public transport and there is plenty of parking for those using their own transport. Although the cast loved it straight away, the stage crew had to learn to come to terms with it. There is very little room in the wings, no facility for flying scenery, the scenery-dock is quite small, and in 1977 there were sound boards hanging among the lighting bars making the movement of tall scenery ‘flats’ rather difficult. Also at that time, a large area at the back of the stage could not be used due to the presence of ‘bleachers’. Rotating the showboat Cotton Blossom behind the front curtain while the cast were performing in front of it meant that certain members of the cast were in danger of being shunted into the orchestra pit. Happily they survived intact.

  Over the years, The H & H have developed into a highly respected society and its productions have been of a consistently high standard. The effect of rising costs has meant that where the society was able to put on three shows over a two-year period at The Beck, it is now only able to put on an annual show there. To satisfy what was a perceived need, shows have been put on at The Compass Theatre, Ickenham. This is a smaller stage in a smaller theatre, but the productions there of Chicago and Cabaret have been well received.